Dawn Images

Friends, family, loved ones and lots of yummy cake — seems like Mehwish Hayat entered 2021 with the spirit she'll be taking into the rest of the year, and we couldn't be happier for her.

The Chhalawa actor who just rang in her 33rd, thanked her fans for the wonderful birthday messages they sent her way, revealing that the past year gave her the opportunity to reflect, assess her life and see what really matters to her.

"Work has been so full on, I’d forgotten the simple pleasures in life; getting my mother oiling my hair , beating my brothers and Nephew at video games, watching Netflix with my sister – all things that I’d missed. Believe me nothing in life is as important as family," Mehwish said.

Speaking about negative criticism, she also addressed a much-needed issue.

"Let’s not let society dictate the way we want to lead our life. It is possible for a girl in her early 30s to be totally happy without being married and with children. It'll happen when it will and not to some prescribed timetable," she added, saying that change needs to be systemic.

"I am a little fed up of celebrities (including me) made ambassadors for meaningful causes that fizzle out after a grand launch and photo op. How many times have we flooded social media, taken out rallies after some distressing event and then what?" she questioned.

Admitting that social media is great, Mehwish feels it has democratised freedom of speech like nothing else, while at the same time, giving way to those behind the screen to say whatever they please.

"Some have taken it as a licence to abuse and bully others. Others see it as an excuse to spread fake news and malicious gossip. Wiki giving my age does not make it true!" she exclaimed, saying we have a culture of bringing each other down.

"This has to stop if we are to succeed as a nation," the Load Wedding actor added. "Let’s understand that we are in this together and my success – or anyone else’s - is something of pride for every Pakistani."

Hayat also took this opportunity to reflect on mental health, pointing out that depression is very real.

"Though my life may seem perfect, we all have our insecurities and shortcomings," she said, saying that we are capable of overcoming obstacles as long as we can work on inner healing and connecting with the divine.

"The world was put on pause for us to reflect, how we come out of this is up to us," she eleborated. "I, for one know the direction I need to take. My mother always teaches that we have to create our own destinies where ever that may lead. I will dare to dream and dare to dream big. Anything is possible if you believe!"

You go girl, happy birthday! To those who are attending, don't forget — we're still in a pandemic, people. Wear a mask!